1980 Moscow Olympics & Soviet Era – Collectible Pins, Set of 11

A wonderful set of pins from the 1980 Moscow Olympics and Soviet Era.

The 1980 Olympics were the first to be held in an Eastern Bloc country and were quite controversial. Eighty nations were represented at the Moscow Games, the smallest number since 1956. Led by the United States, 66 countries boycotted the games entirely because of the Soviet-Afghan War. Several alternative events were held outside of the Soviet Union. Some athletes from some of the boycotting countries (not included in the list of 66 countries that boycotted the games entirely) participated in the games under the Olympic Flag. The Soviet Union later boycotted the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The Soviet Union won the most gold and overall medals, and together with East Germany, more than half of the available gold and overall medals.

Info from a Russian Friend: The third pin on the top row is from the Uzbekistan Republic and the writing translates to “Deputy of the City Council”. The writing on the sixth pin on the bottom row indicates would have been awarded to someone who excelled in sport. It is very tiny, but the price information can be seen on the backs of a few of the pins. Ц15К is short for “Price is 15 Kopeek” (one kopeika to ruble is the same as a cent to the dollar).

Size:  Various – See Image

This is a one-of-a-kind item, please review the photos carefully to determine the condition.